When duct tape, determination, and a healthy disregard for instructions collide, magic happens. From backyard mechanics to DIY daredevils, some folks refuse to let a lack of tools, parts, or professional training get in the way of a good fix. The results? Equal parts brilliant and baffling.
We’ve found 20 of the most head-scratching, laugh-inducing, and oddly effective examples of what can only be described as, duct tape engineering at its finest. Whether it’s a lawnmower turned speedboat or a pickup truck bed made of tires, one thing’s for sure: these problem-solvers don’t believe in doing it by the book. Here are 20 instances of duct tape engineering you need to see.
1. Not the crawfish pot
Their mother better monitor that temperature closely, otherwise, they’ll have some child soup.
2. It sank even with the ratchet strap holding it together?
Who would have thought?
3. For remote teaching without a document camera
This is actually pretty amazing.
4. This was found on a German sub
It means “Emergency Stop”.
5. Fortunately they don’t have an HOA
Now that’s duct tape engineering.
6. No one’s going to know
There’s nothing quite like spray-painted bushes.
7. You don’t need heavy machinery to move a barn
You just need 300 strapping Amish men.
8. Cut a pool noodle to make a comfortable armrest
I might actually steal this idea.
9. Not the child standing 10 feet from it
That kid looks really sad that his wagon was stolen for this purpose.
10. An interesting take on a bed liner
Why pay $500 for a new one when you can just use some old tires?
11. Steering wheel broke
Now this is how you face adversity.
12. Don’t pay $100 for that fancy showerhead
Just buy $15 worth of PVC pipe instead and cut holes in it.
13. It’s not a fork, it’s the perfect iPad holder
“I asked my brother why he did this, and he didn’t respond. He just ran upstairs to grab his iPad.”
14. Homemade smoker
All jokes aside, this is pretty genius.
15. “My In-Laws wrecked my TV by pressing random buttons on my remote”
This is what they call the cardboard and tape solution.
16. It normally costs around 3-5k to move a mobile home
This guy did it for $19.95.
17. I’ve never seen this master lock
Hey, it does the job.
18. Who needs car ramps?
You’ve got to make use of what you’ve got.
19. Whoever built this has a PhD in duct tape engineering
Can you get this bike insured?
20. That’s going to be one expensive electric bill
I’d just run the oven with the door open.
